Description
Butter Beans with Caramelized Onions is a comforting, flavorful dish combining creamy, buttery beans with the rich sweetness of slow-cooked onions. This simple, nutritious recipe is perfect as a cozy main or an elevated side, packed with texture, color, and a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried butter beans (or 2 cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed)
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter (or vegan margarine for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (for creamier texture)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Smoked paprika or liquid smoke (for smoky flavor)
- Cooked greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard (for added nutrition)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Butter Beans: If using dried butter beans, soak them overnight and then simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours until tender. For canned beans, drain and rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt and canned flavor.
- Slice and Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onions. Heat butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the onions slowly, stirring frequently, for 30 to 40 minutes until deep golden brown and sweetly fragrant. Patience is key for rich caramelization.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste to balance the sweetness.
- Combine Beans and Onions: Gently fold the cooked butter beans into the skillet with caramelized onions. Add a splash of broth if a looser, creamier texture is desired. Warm together for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the dish for brightness and aroma.
Notes
- Cook onions low and slow to prevent burning and ensure proper caramelization.
- Do not overcrowd the pan so onions brown evenly.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat well and avoid scorching.
- Drain beans thoroughly to prevent watery texture.
- Season in layers for full depth of flavor, adding salt and pepper during and after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg (varies if using broth or canned beans)
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg (0 mg if vegan margarine used)
Keywords: butter beans, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy recipe, vegan option, protein-rich, fiber, side dish, cozy dinner